REGINA — Environment and Climate Canada has confirmed the first tornado of the year for Saskatchewan.
Meteorologist Brad Vrolijk told SaskToday a landspout tornado was reported just after 1:30 p.m. May 22 near Disley. No damage was reported to the agency.
He said a landspout tornado is very weak, usually developed out of a non-severe thunderstorm or showers. It was short-lived and its preliminary rating is EF0, which is the weakest level possible.
“We often get these landspout tornados while it’s still cool in the spring. They form close to upper-level disturbances crossing the regions," he said.
Vrolijk added it's less common to see them once the summer heat arrives.
While landspout tornados are “unlikely” to do damage, Vrolijk said Environment Canada will still bring the funnel clouds to people’s attention so that the public is aware of them.
“Any time you see a tornado, you should take shelter, whether or not a warning has been issued,” he said.
Vrolijk said warmer temperatures are expected this week, which means a higher potential for more showers and thunderstorms, as well as a severe thunderstorm. He urged people to keep an eye on weather forecasts.
